CNN posted an interesting article asking the question if one can lose weight while on a cruise. After all, the stereotypical view of cruises is that they are a floating smorgasbord. According to Royal Caribbean, most guests consume way more food at the beginning of their cruise than by the end of it. Frank Weber, the vice president of food and beverage operations for Royal Caribbean says statistics show that in the first few days of a cruise, more food is consumed by guests but after that, passengers slow down.
To help passengers avoid packing on the pounds, Royal Caribbean offers health-conscious options known as "Vitality"
"[The Vitality option is] a three-course meal that has 800 calories or less," said Royal Caribbean's Weber, who added that the calorie count has been added to the menu. "At the buffet, the healthier options are marked with the Vitality logo. On the Oasis, our newest ship, we also created an entire buffet restaurant that is dedicated to healthy food."
In addition, Weber added that he fully expects future cruise ships to have restaurants dedicated to eating healthy while older vessels might have one restaurant that is retrofitted for healthier food.
So why the change in eating healthier? Weber attributes a change in popular culture, thanks in part to TV starts like Jillian Michaels and celebrity chefs who help make healthful eating more popular.
"It's not so much about going on a specific diet," he said. "The guests still want to enjoy food, but they are aware of the impact, so it becomes about balance. So some days, they might enjoy themselves, and the next day, they will eat a salad for lunch."
